Digital printing and finishing method for fabrics and the like
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital printing and finishing methods for fabrics are inefficient due to sequential processing steps, leading to limited productivity and prolonged processing times, despite attempts to combine washing and drying steps.
Innovation Solution
A continuous method involving a conveyor belt system with synchronized piezoelectric ink-jet printing heads and a steaming chamber for rapid ink fixation, combined with immersion in a pH stabilization solution to facilitate ink penetration and fixation, allowing for continuous fabric movement through integrated stations for printing, steaming, washing, and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sequential printing steps are used, then each step can be performed with standard equipment, but the overall processing time is prolonged and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent printing steps (fabric preparation, digital printing, steaming, washing, and drying) into a single continuous process where the fabric moves through all stages on one conveyor system. This integration eliminates the need for separate equipment and sequential operations, directly reducing processing time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous fabric movement through the entire printing process without stopping or repositioning. The conveyor belt system maintains constant fabric flow while inkjet heads print, steaming occurs, and drying takes place simultaneously, ensuring the useful action continues uninterrupted throughout all processing stages.
2Productivity
If washing and drying steps are combined continuously, then some processing time is reduced, but the overall productivity increase is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all five processing steps (preparation, printing, steaming, washing, drying) into one continuous operation, going beyond merely combining washing and drying. This comprehensive integration allows simultaneous execution of all steps on moving fabric, achieving significant time reduction and productivity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric is pre-treated with hydrophilic substances during the preparation step before entering the printing section. This preliminary action ensures the fabric is ready for optimal ink absorption and fixation, enabling the subsequent rapid processing steps to proceed efficiently without compromising quality.
3Productivity
If a continuous conveyor system with integrated stations is used, then processing time is reduced and productivity increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous printing system is divided into distinct functional sections (preparation station, printing section with multiple inkjet heads, steaming chamber, washing area, and drying section). Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex overall system to be managed through modular, organized components that can be maintained and adjusted independently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces processing time, enhances productivity, and minimizes manual intervention while ensuring reliable and safe operation with lower energy consumption and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
synchronized piezoelectric ink-jet printing heads
Implementation Method 2
a steaming chamber for rapid ink fixation
Implementation Method 3
immersion in a pH stabilization solution to facilitate ink penetration and fixation
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method (1a, 1b) of digital printing and finishing for fabrics and the like, comprising: - a step of unwinding a fabric (2) from a first reel (3), - a step of compensating the speeds and of spreading the fabric (2) for its positioning on a conveyor belt (5) provided with supporting means on which a digital printing step occurs, - a step of drying the fabric (2), - a step of winding the fabric (2) onto a second reel (11), these steps being executed at corresponding stations arranged in sequence with respect to each other and the fabric (2) passing through them continuously, transversely to the conveyor belt (5), there being a plurality of bars provided with printing heads which are controlled electronically and synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt (5).